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Top 10 Food Truck Cities in America for 2019

Kogi, the Los Angeles Korean/Mexican fusion truck credited with starting today's exciting gourmet food truck movement, helped make the City of Angels the nation's premiere food truck city in Webstaurant Store's top 10 food truck cities. Nor should it be any surprise that Austin's reputation for culinary innovation made it the runner up.

August 26, 2019 by Richard Traylor — Writer, WebstaurantStore

In the past few years, tons of food trucks have been popping up in cities all over the United States, and they're more than just simple stands that serve casual fare. There are many food trucks that are serving cutting-edge cuisine that is comparable to brick-and-mortar stores.

While you can find excellent food trucks in most cities these days, there are 10 cities that stand out for their phenomenal selection of mobile eateries. Here is Webstaurant Store's list of the top 10 food truck cities in America for 2019.

10. Minneapolis

Most people will tell you that the food truck scene is best on either the west or east coast. However, Minneapolis, located right in the middle of the country, offers equally delicious and unique food truck options. Plus, Minneapolis is smaller and more affordable than cities on the coasts. It's perfect for those who are just starting their own food truck.

Best food trucks in Minneapolis:

Tot Boss: Tot Boss is a local staple that serves up tasty tater tot concoctions like tot nachos and bacon-wrapped tots.
Foxy Falafel: The Foxy Falafel brings a taste of the Middle East to the Midwest.
Moral Omnivore: This food truck aims to serve local and ethically-sourced foods that are also delicious and nourishing.

9. Chicago

For a while, it seemed like Chicago wasn't going to become a food truck destination due to its restrictions on food trucks and carts. But food trucks have nonetheless managed to survive these restrictions, and the Windy City has emerged as a top food truck location, which is a good thing for both food truck owners and foodies looking for a new destination. While Chicago may be known for its deep dish pizza, the food trucks here are serving up all kinds of new meals, like savory cupcakes, Indian food wraps and Argentinian empanadas.

Best food trucks in Chicago:

Babycakes: This truck hangs out around the University of Chicago, and they're serving up delicious breakfast creations 24/7.
Tamale Spaceship: Get authentic Mexican tamales served by masked wrestlers at this Wicker Park food truck.
The Happy Lobster: If you're looking for delicious lobster rolls in Chicago, The Happy Lobster is a must-visit location.

8. Miami

While food trucks may not be the most practical dining option in Miami (they have a "tropical monsoon climate"), this city is quickly becoming one of the biggest hubs for food trucks. Even though this area is typically known for having some of the best Cuban dishes in the country, Miami's food truck scene offers a variety of food options, such as fresh fish tacos, Southern comfort food and Asian cuisine.

Best food trucks in Miami:

Purple People Eatery: This Miami food truck is easily distinguishable for its gourmet food. Also because it's bright purple.
Ms. Cheezious: Serving up gooey and cheesy grilled cheese sandwiches, Ms. Cheezious is a food truck that you should check out if you're in Miami.
Poblanos: With a wide selection of tacos, quesadillas and burritos, Poblanos is the place to get your Mexican fix in Miami.

7. San Francisco

Even though San Francisco may not be listed as highly as another California city on our list, that doesn't mean this city is lacking when it comes to their food truck options. In fact, the Bay area's truck scene is so popular that food truck parks have transformed from a spot that you quickly grab food to a place where you actually want to hang out.

Take SoMa StrEat Food Park; not only does this inventive park offer a rotating lineup of food trucks, but they also boast carnival games, TV screens and heat lamps for chillier nights out. The Bay area proves not only to be a hot spot for foodies, but for owners of food trucks, as well.

Best food trucks in San Francisco:

The Codmother: Visited by locals and tourists alike, The Codmother is the destination for fish and chips just like you'd find in London.
Senor Sisig: This food truck perfectly fuses the flavors of the Philippines into Mexican dishes like nachos, burritos and tacos.
The Chairman: Serving up delicious Chinese steamed buns, The Chairman has delicious food that complements their truck's unique art style.

6. New York City

Since New York City is home to the original food truck, the hot dog cart, it's no surprise that this city is proving to be a top food truck location. NYC food trucks offer all the fan favorites: artisan grilled cheeses, Korean BBQ and inventive ice cream flavors.

However, trucks in the Big Apple offer more than just the expected food truck options, and it's hard to walk more than a block in any direction in Manhattan without running into a food truck serving up high-quality food.

Best food trucks in New York City:

The Cinnamon Snail: This vegan food truck shows meat-lovers that vegan food can be flavorful and delicious.
The Halal Guys: Gyros, falafel and other halal food is found in food trucks all over New York City, but The Halal Guys is the undisputed king of halal food in NYC.
Korilla BBQ: Korilla takes the savory and spicy flavor of Korean barbecue and uses it in traditionally Mexican dishes like tacos and burritos.

5. Washington, D.C.

Seeing as how four food trucks from D.C. made it onto the list of 101 Best Food Trucks in America, it's no surprise that our nation's capital landed a spot on our list. With over 200 food truck options, this city is providing a wide range of food options to people with an appetite. Whether it's one of the numerous pho trucks, lunch from one of the many vegan trucks or a late night cookie, the D.C. food truck scene is great for both savory and sweet food truck owners as well as tourists.

Best food trucks in Washington, D.C.:

Basil Thyme: This local food truck offers up a variety of fresh lasagna each day in large portions.
Captain Cookie and the Milkman: Beloved by D.C. residents, this food truck offers many different types of freshly baked cookies.
Red Hook Lobster Pound: This food truck brings a taste of New England to Washington, D.C. by serving up lobster rolls and authentic clam chowder.

4. Seattle

While this city may be well-known for its coffee, Seattle is also home to a wide assortment of food trucks. Not only can people easily find the nearest vendor with the help of websites like Seattle Food Truck, but the Emerald City also hosts food truck festivals filled with delicious foods, such as Seattle Street Food Festival and SoDoLicious Extravaganza.

Even though another city on our list is frequently referenced as the place where the food truck trend got its start, many people believe that Seattle equally deserves the title. Way back in 2007, Chef John Henderson started Skillet Street Food, where he began serving American-inspired cuisine out of his vintage Airstream trailer.

Best food trucks in Seattle:

Curbside: This food truck is serving up a huge menu of classic Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, pho and noodles.
Cheese Wizards Food Truck: Nothing is more comforting on a rainy Seattle day than a grilled cheese and hot cup of soup from Cheese Wizards.
Community Banana Stand: This local stand, owned and operated by Amazon, has given away over 1.7 million bananas for free since it opened in 2015.

3. Portland

While they're commonly referred to as "food carts" in their neck of the woods, Portland boasts over 600 trucks and trailers that are serving up tantalizing treats. In fact, this "weird" city has so many carts that they have multiple food truck parks, like Cartlandia, Mississippi Marketplace and Cartopia.

The best part of a city stuffed with so many convenient eateries is that tourists and locals alike can easily find tasty food for every meal of the day. Whether you're looking for waffles, a refreshing drink or award-winning Thai food, Portland's food truck scene has something for everyone.

Best food trucks in Portland:

Bing Mi: The Chinese street food dish jianbing has been growing steadily in popularity in the U.S., and this food cart serves up the best in the city.
Nong's Khao Man Gai: This unassuming food truck in Portland serves up some serious Thai food that earned their chef a semifinalist spot in the James Beard award.
Chez Dodo: Mauritian food may not be the most well-known cuisine, but customers of Chez Dodo will appreciate the fusion of African, Asian and Indian flavors.

2. Austin

The capital of live music also seems to be sharing another title these days: food truck capital of America. While Austin may not have as many food trucks as other major cities, they make up for it by producing some of the tastiest eats. Not to mention, there's a variety of trucks just waiting to serve up food to tame any cravings visitors and locals may have.

On any given day you can choose between authentic Mexican cuisine, delicious BBQ ribs that fall right off the bone, and cutting-edge Asian fusion. Regardless of what type of food you're looking for, Austin is bursting with a wide range of food options for anyone with a hearty appetite.

Best food trucks in Austin:

The Mighty Cone: You might be expecting ice cream, but this truck serves up savory wraps, fried chicken, shrimp and more in a handy cone.
Tommy Want Wingy: With a unique name inspired by the movie Tommy Boy, you can get a variety of seasoned lollipop fried chicken wings.
East Side King: This food truck is dishing up mouth-watering Asian-inspired food like chicken karaage and steamed buns.

1. Los Angeles

If you were to take a look at the timeline of the modern food truck phenomenon, Los Angeles would most likely be listed as the starting point. Not only did L.A. begin this trend, but they also kickstarted the popularity of fusion food trucks, with Kogi, the original Korean-Mexican fusion truck. However, L.A. isn't strictly a "fusion food truck" city.

They also have The Lobos Truck, which serves up mouthwatering burgers and mac and cheese as well as their famous wachos, waffle fries with nacho toppings. This city also boasts numerous sweet food trucks for those with a sweet tooth.

Best food trucks in Los Angeles:

Kogi: Arguably the spark that started the food truck movement, Kogi has been serving up Korean-Mexican fusion food since 2008.
Free Range: The light and crispy fried food at Free Range is a must-try if you're in L.A. Make sure to try the Original Free Range L.A. chicken sandwich.
Coolhaus: For dessert, check out this truck that's serving up crazy ice cream sandwich combinations like brown butter candied bacon.

While these cities aren't the only areas you can find food trucks serving up tasty and original meals, they are some of the best. So whether you're a foodie looking for your newest destination or scoping out a new location for your food truck, these cities are sure to offer a little something for everybody.

Images courtesy of Webstaurant Store.

Independent Operators Food & Beverage

About Richard Traylor

Richard Traylor graduated from Temple University in the winter of 2014 with a degree in Strategic Communications. After graduating, he taught English in South Korea for two years, during which he was fortunate enough to travel and see the world. In October 2016, he returned home and started to work in SEO Content at Webstaurant Store. This blog previously ran on Webstaurant Store.

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